Number 5
Originally a brewery warehouse and most recently a car garage, the home of Artel31 had been vacant for nearly a decade when we acquired it. This historic site presented an interesting urban commercial development opportunity with potential for multiple uses.
After stripping back previous modifications to reveal the historic structure, we undertook a comprehensive retrofit. This included installing new insulation, Air Source Heat Pumps, ventilation systems, and a new soakaway system to separate the combined wastewater system.
The upper two floors now serve as offices, including our own, while the ground floor houses Cousin Norman’s café.
Outside, we’ve created a community area featuring a biodiverse planting scheme and even a ping pong table.
Photography by Charles Emerson
Sustainable Measures
Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)
Natural sustainable materials and reused materials
Environmental construction policy to minimise chemical use and construction waste
Electric car charging and allocated space for future battery installation
Minimal internal structure to allow future alteration
High insulation levels (low U and Y values)
Biodiverse landscaping used
Chippenham, North Wiltshire
Urban commercial development
Location & Community Context
Situated in the heart of Chippenham, Wiltshire, Number 5 Union Road exemplifies a thoughtful urban commercial development that revitalises a long-neglected industrial site.
This redevelopment is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate Union Road, an area now recognised as Chippenham’s emerging Artisan Quarter. The integration of sustainable features—such as biodiverse landscaping, air source heat pumps, and photovoltaic panels—underscores a commitment to environmentally conscious design.
By converting the old forecourt into communal spaces and introducing varied commercial units, this urban commercial development fosters community engagement and economic growth.